Welcome to Te Āpiti

Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge is a national taonga. Its unique geography and rich cultural history make it a must do for any trip to the Manawatū-Whanganui Region.

Car parks at the Ashhurst end to the west and Ferry Reserve to the east provide ease of access to a number of tracks and trails, as well as river reserves, and camping and BBQ facilities to help you explore and enjoy this unique landscape.

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WESTERN GATEWAY CARPARK OPENING HOURS: 

Summer (October to April) – from 5 am to 9 pm.

Winter hours (May to September) from 6 am to 7 pm.

Please ensure you vacate the area before carpark closing times.  For any enquires about a locked gate please contact Palmerston North City Council on 06 356 8199. Release fees apply.

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WALK

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BIKE

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ACTIVITIES

Ferry Reserve

RESERVES

Explore before you visit te apiti - 3D Map
Ngā kōrero tuku iho mō Te Āpiti

The cultural history of Te Āpiti

Māori kōrero is filled with legends that show Aotearoa through spirits, magic and mysticism. The legend of Te Āpiti is no exception. Its story is filled with supernatural beings, curiosities of nature, and a connection to the land that goes far beyond what can be explained.

Read the story

WHĀTONGA THE EXPLORER

Before hiking the trails of Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge find out about the mighty Whātonga, ancestral chief of the Rangitāne and Ngai Tara people and one of the first settlers in what would become the Manawatū-Whanganui Region. Whātonga te tupuna LEARN MORE

ENVIRONMENT

Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge is the scenic divide between the Tararua and Ruahine mountain ranges. It’s a magnificent geographical structure formed over thousands of years by tectonic forces and the Manawatū River. With its native bush and wildlife, Te Āpiti is a time capsule that preserves the bush that once covered the Manawatū. Te taiao LEARN MORE

COMMUNITY

Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge is our taonga and it’s up to all of us to protect it. When you are visiting please respect the environment and leave no trace. Together our community is working to protect this land mark for generations to come. Te hapori LEARN MORE

EDUCATION

Find out more about educational programmes in Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge and download educational resources, activities and factsheets. Are you a Kiwi Guardian? Find out more about what you can do to help protect the biodiversity. Ngā mātauranga LEARN MORE